Top Picks for Pics

Toronto has numerous works of public art and tourist attractions that provide fun and memorable photo opportunities. Here are our top picks for pics.

The Toronto Sign

The TORONTO sign, originally installed as part of the Pan American Games in 2015, was such a hit with residents and visitors that it’s stayed. See it in Nathan Phillips Square in front of City Hall (in itself a photo-worthy Mid-Century architectural gem) in all its multicolour splendour during the day, or lit up in various dramatic ways when night falls. Find The Toronto Sign on Google Maps.

Canoe Landing Park

Adjacent to the Gardiner Expressway and Roger’s Centre, Douglas Coupland’s Red Canoe is a snapshot of Canadiana where you can also get a great view of the CN Tower in the background. Find Canoe Landing Park on Google Maps.

CN Tower’s EdgeWalk

EdgeWalk offers the best background shot and vantage point of our fair metropolis from the ledge of the CN Tower. You can’t take your own photo here but two photos and a video are included in the experience price. Find CN Tower EdgeWalk on Google Maps.

Simcoe WaveDeck

Inspired by the shorelines of Ontario’s Great Lakes, it replaces a narrow sidewalk with impressive curves that soar up to 2.6 metres above the lake and provides a great photo backdrop. Find Simcoe WaveDeck on Google Maps.

Dundas Square

Our square is reminiscent of New York’s Times Square with myriad billboards in the background. The lights and colours showcase the excitement of our downtown core. (Stand on the northeast corner for best shot). Find Dundas Square on Google Maps.

Graffiti Alley

South of Queen Street, our city-sanctioned alley enlivened with works of art from graffiti artists, showcases the colourful side of Toronto. In the crevices of back doors and against the walls, this is a vibrant setting for shutterbugs. Find Graffiti Alley on Google Maps.

CP24 Truck

One of the most interesting pieces of art in Toronto is a former City News truck bursting through the wall of the CTV building at the corner of Queen and John, the location of the news channel’s former headquarters. Find the CP24 Truck on Google Maps.

Rising Sculpture

This $5 million sculpture at the Shangri-La Hotel’s exterior on University Avenue is inspired by a twisted root and covered with flights of stainless steel birds (also known as peace pigeons). It’s difficult to resist taking a picture of it. Find the Rising Sculpture on Google Maps.

OCAD University

Will Alsop’s colourful table-top structure located behind the Art Gallery of Ontario caused quite a stir when it was erected in 2004. Whether during the day or illuminated at night, it’s a striking and quirky capture. Find OCAD University on Google Maps.

Toronto Skyline from the Toronto Islands

Looking for that postcard shot of your trip? Whether you’re shooting from the islands or on the ferry, this is one of the best vantage points of our city’s skyline. Find the Toronto Islands on Google Maps.

Galleria Italia at the AGO

One of the best photo opportunities at the Art Gallery of Ontario is the Galleria Italia. Famed architect Frank Ghery’s 50 foot high wooden beams were designed to look like the inside of a tipped canoe. Find Galleria Italia on Google Maps.

Brookfield Place

Brookfield Place is an internationally acclaimed public space with the stunning vaulted Allen Lambert Galleria, a favourite backdrop for visitors. The space is also used for prominent exhibitions and art installations. Find Brookfield Place on Google Maps.

Sherbourne Common

This park features a variety of sculptures and green spaces that provide memorable photos. Artist Jill Anholt’s dramatic “Light Showers” sculptures rise almost nine metres from the ground and provide the most striking photos. Find Sherbourne Common on Google Maps.

The City Room of Four Seasons Centre

The City Room is the glass-enclosed main lobby of The Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, home to operas and ballets. It provides a view just as dramatic as the performances. Find The City Room on Google Maps.

National Ballet School

Casa Loma

This Gothic Revival style house has 98 rooms on 5 acres of gardens has served as a location for movies such as X-Men, Strange Brew, Chicago, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, Warehouse 13, Twitches Too and The Pacifier. Find Casa Loma on Google Maps.

Marilyn Monroe Towers

Located in Mississauga, you won’t forget the Absolute Towers. They are curved like their namesake bombshell and have revitalized the region’s architecture. Find the Marilyn Monroe Towers on Google Maps.

Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)

The crystal-shaped structure of the ROM’s exterior captures the attention of passersby. You can get some great shots from the upper levels of both the Museum Tavern and Roof bar at the Hyatt across the street. Find the Royal Ontario Museum on Google Maps.

Sugar Beach

Named for its proximity to the Redpath sugar factory, this beach is a sweet spot to lounge in the summertime. The pink umbrellas dotting the beach with Lake Ontario in the background are fun images to remember from your Toronto jaunt. Find Sugar Beach on Google Maps.

Humber Bay Arch Bridge

This pedestrian bridge is a familiar site if you are driving on the Gardiner Expressway or Lakeshore Boulevard into the city. The bridge provides a great backdrop of the lake and a unique view of the west end of the city. Find the Humber Bay Arch Bridge on Google Maps.

Scarborough Bluffs

Located in the east end of the city, these cliffs overlooking Lake Ontario yield some of the most spectacular views in the region. Snap your shots from Bluffer’s Park then chill on the beach at the foot of the Bluffs. Find Scarborough Bluffs on Google maps.